A special-focus Young Investigator Award (YIA) offered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation to foster research that improves supportive care and quality of life for cancer patients. This is a one-year, $50,000 grant that enables an early-career oncologist to conduct a mentored clinical or translational research project in areas such as symptom management, palliative care, psychosocial oncology, or survivorship support . The award helps bridge the gap from fellowship to faculty by providing research experience and pilot data in supportive oncology.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) who is within the final year of oncology fellowship or in the first 1–2 years of a faculty appointment at the time of funding.
- The research proposal should address a supportive care topic in oncology – examples include pain or symptom control, nutritional support, mental health interventions, caregiver support, palliative treatment strategies, or any aspect of improving patients’ quality of life during and after cancer therapy.
- Applicants require a mentor (established oncologist or researcher) and a suitable research environment. Open to U.S. and international applicants; ASCO membership is recommended.
Funding Details:
- Award Amount: $50,000 USD for one year (direct costs). Up to $2,500 (5%) of the funds may be allocated to institutional overhead if absolutely required.
- Grant Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (the expected period for the 2026 YIA cycle). Funds are primarily intended for the awardee’s salary and project expenses.
- Mentorship and Training: This is a mentored award – the recipient will execute the project under guidance, and Conquer Cancer provides career development resources. Successful completion can position the awardee for subsequent Conquer Cancer Career Development Awards or other grants.
Deadline:
- January 29, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Time) – Full application due via ASCO’s Grant Portal . (This “Special Competition” YIA opened in July 2025 and has a single annual deadline.) Award notifications will be made in spring 2026, and funding commences in July 2026.
Where to go for further information:
- Program details.
- Direct inquiries to [email protected].